Expat Spouses - Why do you study?

[YvonneHau]

I'm in the situation where i am waiting for my viva... do you regret never completing ur phD?

[YvonneHau]

the cost of getting the books over here is expensive. it will be a joint degree but i love the flexibility of the OU, if i decide half way through i only want to study Social Science I can add more courses to get me to the right number of points. Also if we go back to Swiss/UK before I finish I can just continue wherever I am. I am registered at my family home, not sure how it works if you are outside Europe...... I don't really have motivation issues. just how I am. i timetable out my week and give myself deadlines. there is also a chat forum where you can plan to be online and discuss your material. I have friends here so didn't wawnt to study to improve my social circle however the social sciences by the nature is something I can discuss with people who aren't studying.....

So is it possible to buy the books out here you need for the course? I have found, if i wanted to buy specialist shop it can be rather difficult, not the same as going to Foyles or something to buy. I really envy you to be motivated to continue studying. If i could continue studying i would definitely do something like psychology with economics.

[Janetw]

I don't think so for the OU as the course comes complete, DVD's CD's and books. There might be extra books you need but i just buy from Amazon....
Motivating myself gives my life some structure. I am not a shopper/ luncher so would have nothing of any substance to do during the day. I spent all last year volunteer fundraising before anyone decides I should do something 'useful'

[YvonneHau]

i think its great just studying.. wish i could do that...what made u choose the subjects ur studying?

[Janetw]

people interest me and studying about society and social situations is an extension of that. i don't need a degree so it had to be something i wanted to know more about. am gonna include a coures on development of English which am also interested in. How English has evolved. Fascinating. Husband thinks I am mad but is happy I am ' out of trouble ' lol

[YvonneHau]

Do you find yourself being more thoughtful about the questions at hand, rather than just trying to complete the coursework on time? I have to agree with you, understanding how society behaves and evolving is a very interesting subject. Have you ever read Microtrends?

[Janetw]

yeah i think that because there is no pressure on me to complete and get a qualification i probably look at it all very differently. No haven't read this. am currently surfing amazon - will have a look. who is it by...

[YvonneHau]

Microtrends; the Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes by Mark J. & Zalesne Penn

Me to We, is a great book too.

[Claire ex-ax]

Janet, it sounds like you are enjoying it which makes a big difference in your motivation!

[Janetw]

yeah i think enjoying what you are doing is most important esp if your older and also realise there is so much out there to learn.... when I was 18,19,20 I thought I knew it all as I am sure most kids do ... then when I was in my late 20's realised i new nothing - relatively speaking

I love meeting people who are experts in something cos no matter what it is there is always something to learn from them. They could be gardening experts and still i find them interesting - despite having no garden.

I guess now I have the luxury of time and am taking advantage of it.....